The Marquess of Westmeathbegged to ask whether the noble Viscount intended to lay upon the table the evidence which had been given respecting the corporation of Dublin before the committee of inquiry?
§ Viscount Duncannondid not know what evidence the noble Marquess referred to.
The Marquess of Westmeathsaid, it was a most extraordinary thing that her Majesty's Ministers should bring forward a measure of this description without even knowing that evidence had been given on the subject. What an exhibition to make to the country! He was not bound to inform her Majesty's Ministers where they were to find the evidence.
§ Viscount Melbourneapprehended, that if the noble Marquess alluded to evidence which had been given before the committee of inquiry, the evidence which the noble Marquess required was already before the House.
The Marquess of Westmeathsaid, the impression of the noble Viscount was erroneous, as the evidence before the House did not contain any statements as to the corporation of Dublin. It was the business of her Majesty's Ministers, when they brought forward a measure, to have all the evidence appertaining to it ready.
§ Lord Cloncurryhoped, that if evidence were heard in opposition to the bill, evidence would also be heard respecting the 1003 rights of which corporations had been robbed by patrons and others.
The Marquess of Westmeaththought such an inquiry also very desirable. In fact, he thought, the case of each individual corporation should be referred to a select committee. [Much laughter.] This suggestion appeared to amuse noble Lords opposite; but when their Lordships were about to interfere with vested rights, they ought not to consider the trouble which it might cost them to act fairly and justly. He knew that corporate property had been invaded by patrons in some corporate towns. With regard, however, to the city of Dublin, the present bill would take away property which would be worth 100,000l. a year, and it was the duty of the Government to lay before their Lordships every document which it could to justify such a proceeding.
§ Viscount Duncannonthought really that the best course the noble Marquess could adopt would be to specify in a notice the documents which he desired to have laid upon the table.
The Marquess of Westmeathsaid his motion would be for all the evidence which had been given before any committee of inquiry respecting corporate property, and the manner in which the judicial and other functions of corporations had been discharged. He should wish to take the largest description of the evidence which could be given.
§ Subject at an end.